Rachel Evans
Bowing is a sign of respect used in many cultures and has a place within Catholic liturgy. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) outlines when to bow during Mass. While some prefer to genuflect, the Church also accommodates those who wish to bow to the tabernacle during Mass. The GIRM states that a bow of the head is made when the three Divine Persons are named together and at the names of Jesus, Mary, and the Saint of the Mass. A bow of the body, or a profound bow, is made to the altar during specific prayers and during the Creed. The priest also bows slightly as he speaks the words of the Lord at the consecration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to bow | After the consecration (if not kneeling), before receiving the Holy Eucharist at Communion, during a solemn blessing at the end of Mass, when hearing the name of God or specific saints, during the Creed |
| Who should bow | Catholics, ministers, clergy, lay faithful, deacon, priest |
| Types of bow | Bow of the head, bow of the body (also known as a profound bow), genuflection |
| What a bow signifies | Respect, reverence, adoration, honor |
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What You'll Learn
Bowing to the altar
The Catholic Church specifies when the clergy and lay faithful should genuflect and/or bow during Mass and outside of Mass. A genuflection is made by bending the right knee to the ground, signifying adoration and is reserved for the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Holy Cross.
A bow signifies reverence and honour. There are two kinds of bows: a bow of the head and a bow of the body, also known as a profound bow. The bow of the body is made towards the altar when the Blessed Sacrament is not present, when approaching it or departing from it, or passing in front of it. The altar is a symbol of Christ and his one redemptive offering.
A deep bow is made to the altar by all who enter the sanctuary, leave it, or pass before the altar. Ministers carrying the processional cross or candles bow their heads instead of genuflecting. An altar server should bow if he passes before the altar during Mass.
The priest, deacon, and other ministers genuflect when they approach the altar and when they depart from it, but not during the celebration of Mass.
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Bowing to the tabernacle
The Catholic Church has specific guidelines for when to bow and genuflect during Mass and outside of Mass. Genuflection, performed by bending the right knee to the ground, signifies adoration and is reserved for the Blessed Sacrament and the Holy Cross during liturgical celebrations.
During Mass, the priest celebrant genuflects after the showing of the Host and chalice and before Communion. The priest, deacon, and other ministers genuflect when approaching and departing from the altar if the tabernacle with the Blessed Sacrament is present in the sanctuary. An altar server should not genuflect towards the tabernacle during Mass unless performing specific liturgical tasks, but they can bow if passing before the altar and simultaneously reverence the tabernacle if it is situated directly behind.
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) outlines specific moments during Mass when those present should bow their heads. This includes during the Creed, after the consecration (if not kneeling), before receiving Holy Communion, during a solemn blessing, and when hearing the names of God, Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Saint in whose honour Mass is being celebrated.
Outside of Mass, a bow of the head is a common sign of respect and adoration when hearing the names of Jesus, Mary, or saints. This practice is especially encouraged by some Catholics to foster daily devotion and love for God.
While the GIRM does not forbid bowing towards the tabernacle, the altar is the central focus during Mass as it symbolises Christ and his redemptive offering. Thus, the priest, deacon, and ministers do not genuflect during Mass, except at designated parts, as their focus is on the altar of sacrifice.
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Bowing during the Creed
The Catholic Church specifies when to bow during Mass and outside of Mass in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM). According to the GIRM, there are two types of bows: a bow of the head and a bow of the body (also known as a profound bow).
The Creed is sung or recited by the priest together with the people, with everyone standing. During the Nicene Creed, when the words "Et incarnatus est" ("by the power of the Holy Spirit... and became man") are spoken, all make a profound bow. However, on the solemnities of the Annunciation and the Nativity of the Lord, all genuflect.
The pious act of bowing out of love for God is encouraged during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and in Catholics' everyday lives. A bow of the head is made when the three Divine Persons are named together and at the names of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Saint in whose honour Mass is being celebrated. This small bow acknowledges the adoration and respect Catholics have for these holy names and the power that their intercession and names hold.
In addition, a bow of the body or profound bow is made during the prayers "Munda cor meum" ("Almighty God, cleanse my heart") and "In spiritu humilitatis" ("Lord God, we ask you to receive"). The same kind of bow is made by the deacon when asking for a blessing before the proclamation of the Gospel. The priest also bows slightly as he speaks the words of the Lord at the consecration.
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Bowing during the consecration
The Catholic Church specifies when the clergy and lay faithful should genuflect and/or bow during Mass and outside of Mass. According to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), a bow signifies reverence and honour shown to the persons themselves or to the signs that represent them. There are two kinds of bows: a bow of the head and a bow of the body (also known as a profound bow).
During the consecration, the priest bows slightly as he speaks the words of the Lord. Those who do not kneel ought to make a profound bow when the priest genuflects after the consecration. A bow of the head is also made when the three Divine Persons are named together and at the names of Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of the Saint in whose honour Mass is being celebrated.
In addition, the pious act of bowing out of love for God should be utilized not only during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass but also in Catholics' everyday lives. The less devotion is cloistered away into the Sundays of our lives, the more love and adoration for God we foster daily.
It is important to note that the Church's norms presume that a person is physically able to genuflect. If not, a bow of the body or the head should be given.
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Bowing during Communion
The Catholic Church specifies in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) when to bow during Mass and outside of Mass. According to the GIRM, there are two types of bows: a bow of the head and a bow of the body, also known as a profound bow. The bow signifies reverence and honour shown to the persons themselves or the signs that represent them.
The GIRM outlines that a bow of the head is made when the three Divine Persons are named together and at the names of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Saint in whose honour Mass is being celebrated. A spiritual director advises that if ever Jesus or Mary's names are used, one should give a small head nod out of respect and adoration.
A bow of the body, or a profound bow, is made to the altar during specific prayers, such as "Munda cor meum" and "In spiritu humilitatis". It is also done during the Creed at the words "Et incarnatus est" and in the Roman Canon at "Supplices te rogamus". The deacon also makes this kind of bow when asking for a blessing before the proclamation of the Gospel.
Additionally, the GIRM states that before receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows their head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister. This bow of the head is also made when hearing the name of God or specific saints.
Therefore, while the GIRM does not specifically mention bowing during Communion, it is implied that the communicant would bow their head before receiving the Sacrament, as outlined in the section on receiving Holy Communion. This bow signifies reverence and respect for the Eucharist and is an important part of the Catholic liturgy.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics are expected to bow their heads during the consecration, as a sign of reverence and honour. This is also done when the names of Jesus, Mary, and saints are mentioned during the Mass.
There are two types of bows in the Catholic liturgy: a bow of the head and a bow of the body, also known as a profound bow. A bow of the head is made when the three Divine Persons are named together and at the names of Jesus, Mary, and the Saint of honour during Mass. A profound bow is made towards the altar when the Blessed Sacrament is not present, when approaching it, or when passing in front of it.
Bowing during the consecration is a sign of respect and adoration for the holy names and the power that their intercession holds. It is also mentioned in the Ten Commandments, where it is stated that one should not "take the name of the Lord thy God in vain".
